I’m wild about living a healthy life inspired by nature.

Whether it’s digging good food out of your garden, or getting out for a walk in the woods, getting closer to nature is good for your health and happiness.

Today, I want to talk about the way nature nourishes our spirit.  You know, the soul food.

This year I planted the biggest garden yet.  Arugula, beets, carrots, kale, lettuce, squashes, tomatoes, peppers, cilantro…

I had the space to expand, so I did.

The outdoor growing season is coming to an end in my neck of the woods, but I can’t help but realize that one of the reasons I love gardening so much is because of all the little seeds of wisdom it offers.

On that note: Have you ever felt ready to give up on something?  Have you ever wondered if you should just call it quits?  Have you been frustrated beyond belief with how things are and need some insight?

6 Life Lessons From the Garden

Grow where you’re planted

It all starts with one little seed, and when we stick it in the dirt, we can expect it to grow right there.  Nature shows us to make the most of the situation we’re in, to let our roots reach down, and to start living and making changes from right where we are.

Patience through the seasons

Planting, growing, and harvesting – sometimes we’re working on creating something new, other times we’re helping it expand and have a bigger reach, and sometimes we sit back for just a moment and take it all in.  There is a time for everything, just like spring, summer, fall, and winter.  Focus on the goal of the season to get the most out of the next one.

There will always be a harvest

Sometimes when we’re creating, working, and putting in the effort, we’re so busy nourishing the garden, and weeding out what we don’t want, that we get discouraged when we’re not seeing the fruit or the crop as quickly as we hoped or planned. If we plant something and nourish it, we will see the results at some point – it’s a law of nature.

Seize the moment

The amount of crop you reap or fruit that grows, can vary from year to year.  If you get a good crop of pears from the tree one year, it probably won’t be as plentiful the next.  Nature has taught me to take advantage of something I want when it comes and live in the present.  Don’t wait for tomorrow (or next year).  Pick it, can it, freeze it, juice it.  Get what you can because you don’t know what next year will bring.

Share your gift

Believing in abundance is knowing there is more than enough to go around.  With more than enough cucumbers and apples this year, I started thinking of how I could share, give them away, or make extra pickles and sauce for those special people in my life.  Instead of hoarding or wasting a good thing, spread it around.  Giving is good for the giver and the receiver.

Always keep planting

When spring rolls around, I get anxious to get outside again and start growing fresh food.  Even though it’s the same process every year, I haven’t tired yet, of starting all over again.  When you get done creating, launching, publishing, or working on whatever it is that you bring to the world, don’t forget to keep planting.  There is always room for more growth, and it all starts with one seed.

What seeds of wisdom or inspiration do you find in your garden? Share in the comments below!